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THE SQUARE ROOT: The next generation of legendary Houston football family
The “Square” name is synonymous with Greater Houston football.
At the legendary Jack Yates High School, the Square name is royalty—there’s been a Square playing for the Lions dating back to the mid-1920 until the late 2000s.
The last of the Third Ward football family to make waves was Damion Square, who helped lead Alabama to three BCS National Championships under Nick Saban. The defensive lineman went on to play nine seasons in the NFL and is now the defensive line coach at the University of West Alabama.
Well, there’s a new Square emerging—Micah Square, who just graduated from Hamilton Middle School in Cy-Fair ISD. He’s currently zoned to Cy-Fair High School.
The 6-foot, 165-pound incoming freshman is a dual-sport athlete: roaming the outfield and pitching in baseball, while also running deep routes in football.
“I was born when my dad was playing at Alabama,” Micah said. “I don’t remember that, of course, but I do remember being around the locker rooms in Kansas City and with the Rams. I was really close with Keenan Allen, Denzel Perryman, and Rayshawn Jenkins and their families.”
While Dad was a football star, Mom has a strong football lineage too. Brandi Square’s brother is Robby Ashford, who currently plays quarterback at Wake Forest and was also a college baseball player at Oregon.
“My first love is football because all of my family played the sport and were legends,” he said. “Baseball is sort of new. My uncle influenced me to play, and it really keeps me in shape for football. Baseball gives me a lot of practice tracking down balls and taking the right angles in the outfield. It translates to football. I’m playing some quarterback too, so baseball keeps my arm in shape and strong.”
With the name comes expectations.
“When I’m out there playing, I don’t really feel the pressure of living up to the Square name,” he said. “Yes, I want to live out my dreams, but my dad is just my dad. He doesn’t put pressure on me either. I’ve learned to just have a ‘goldfish’ memory. If something great happens or something bad happens, you just have to move to the next play. That’s my mentality.”
While wide receiver is his natural position, he’s expanding his skill set at quarterback.
“I have big hands and feel like I can catch anything thrown my way,” he said. “When my team needs a play, they know I can go up and get it. I’m learning the quarterback position very quickly, and my arm strength is really good. Being a receiver helps me escape the pocket fast and break tackles if I need to.”
Nicknamed “Baby Hulk” by his junior high peers, the Class of 2029 prospect also has a creative side.
“I’m really into fashion, and I love to paint custom shoes,” he said. “I’m pretty artistic, but I also like to ride bikes on my neighborhood trails and play video games.”
He knows the recruiting process could come quickly as he rises to varsity play, but he’s got a grounded mindset.
“I’m not going to overthink anything,” he said. “I just want to get up to speed with the tempo of the high school game and get on the field as soon as I can. I’m just looking to win a state championship and carry on the Square name.”
Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves—Micah is still just a pup who hasn’t even been to a high school athletic period yet.
“I love old-school cartoons... like the original ‘Teen Titans’ and ‘Avatar,’” he laughed. “I’m a Philly cheesesteak guy who loves Lamborghini Urus’.”
He’s a Square at heart.
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From His Father...
"Micah is a really driven and engaging young athlete. He's so focused on getting better and has that competitive spirit. With his physicality and desire to improve, he's got a strong foundation for success in whatever he puts his mind to. His likable personality will also take him far, both on and off the field."
- Damion Square
The stars of 2024-25 Worthing Football
Worthing, Furr, North Forest battling for HISD crown in DISTRICT 11-4A-DI; Yates, Wheatley on the cusp
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
Worthing Colts
Furr Brahmas
North Forest Bulldogs
Yates Lions
Wheatley Wildcats
Kashmere Rams
Washington Eagles
Northside Panthers
Scarborough Spartans
(Bold Denotes Playoffs)
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VYPE's PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Ernest Brisco, WorthingOFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Chris Brown, Yates
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kendrick Hines, North Forest
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nick Harris Jr., Yates
ON THE CUSP: Wheatley Wildcats
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The Worthing Colts return 18 starters in 2024 under the direction of coach Brandon Ellis.The Colts swept the district and now have a playoff win in their sights. Va’Shawn Smith and RB Kwame Roy propel the offense,while the defensive line is loaded with Ernest Brisco and Jacory Thurman bullying opponents. Brisco was the MVP of the district a year ago. Winning district is great, but what they do in the postseason is the next step?
Cornell Gray is one of the best in HISD, building Furr High into a perennial playoff team. The Brahmas return QB Nick Harris Jr., and a pair of slick skill players in Avery Lazard and Javaris Scott.The back end of the defense is a strength with the likes of Trey Harris and Trevon Johnson. Scott is also a ball-hawk in the secondary.
North Forest High was a playoff team in 2023 and with QB Landon Robinson back behind center, the Bulldogs should be back in the postseason. Michael Dean can tote the rock on the ground and Daveon Perkins can pluck balls from the sky and turnaround and cover on defense. Kendrick Hines is a physical beast at LB and running back and sets the tone for the Bulldogs.
The Yates Lions went 8-3 overall and 6-1 in district play under coach Rafael Thomas in 2023. What will they do for an encore? Hand the ball off to 1,000-yard rusher Chris Brown and let him go to work behind Tristen Gadison. The defense is solid with Elijah Wooten, De’Shon Scott and Jordan Andrus, who doubles as a tight end. Andrus is Mr. Yates on the football field and basketball court.
Can Wheatley bring back the magic under coach Cornelius McFarland? The Wildcats have skill players for days in Jacoris Parish, Joseph Andrews, Jacory Bonner and Larry Dorsey, but it’s the trenches that are little wobbly. Thomas Johnson and Malik Edwards are solid on the OL and may have to turn around and play defense as well. It will come down to making stops and slowing down the opposing team’s running game to collect W’s this season.
Coach Josh Harris will need to reboot his offense in 2024 for the Kashmere Rams to get into the district conversation. Plan on hearing the names Latriel Johnson, Kevin Joe and Chase Roberson a lot over the stadium loudspeaker as they rack up tackles on defense.
Booker T. Washington didn’t win a district game in 2023 but looks for major improvement this season with RB Mason Bean moving the chains on offense. Javian Wilder will be the bell-cow on defense up front to slowdown opponents.
The Northside Panthers will be led by QB Jesus De Los Reyes, who will look for Jhkori Smart and Brandon Williams on the outside. The defense will be led by Elijah Trejo at LB. It will be all-hands-on-deck as this young team looks to make a name for itself.
QB David Campbell will be the man at Scarborough High as the Spartans hope to improve on their 1-6 district record from a year ago. The sophomore will hand off to Terrion Davis as he runs behind Jesiah Marquez on the OL.